Human Nature

Definition

Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics, feelings, and behaviors that define human beings. This concept encompasses the ideas of free will, moral choices, and the fundamental motivations that drive individuals, often reflecting both the potential for good and evil. In works like 'Paradise Lost', human nature is explored through the actions of its characters, illustrating the struggle between obedience to divine authority and the temptation of sin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Paradise Lost', human nature is depicted through the characters of Adam and Eve, highlighting their innocence and eventual fall into sin.
2. The poem emphasizes the duality of human nature, showcasing both the capacity for love and reason, as well as vulnerability to temptation.
3. Milton portrays free will as a crucial aspect of human nature, suggesting that true obedience to God requires the ability to choose between good and evil.
4. The tension between divine providence and human agency is a central theme, questioning whether humans are predestined to fall or if they have control over their actions.
5. Ultimately, 'Paradise Lost' offers a complex view of human nature, suggesting that while humans can succumb to sin, there is always a possibility for redemption and return to grace.

Review Questions

• How does Milton's portrayal of Adam and Eve reflect the complexities of human nature in 'Paradise Lost'?
  • Milton presents Adam and Eve as embodiments of human nature's complexities; they possess innocence but are also endowed with free will. Their initial harmony with God illustrates humanity's potential for goodness. However, their eventual choice to disobey God reveals the darker aspects of human nature, including vulnerability to temptation and desire for autonomy. This duality emphasizes that while humans can achieve greatness, they also face significant moral challenges.
• Discuss the significance of free will in understanding human nature as presented in 'Paradise Lost'.
  • Free will is central to Milton's exploration of human nature. The characters' ability to choose between obedience and rebellion showcases the importance of personal agency in moral decision-making. By granting Adam and Eve the freedom to choose their fate, Milton underscores that genuine loyalty to God must come from conscious choice rather than coercion. This emphasis on free will raises profound questions about accountability and the consequences of one's actions within the larger narrative.
• Evaluate how the themes of temptation and redemption in 'Paradise Lost' contribute to Milton's depiction of human nature.
  • Milton’s themes of temptation and redemption highlight the multifaceted aspects of human nature by illustrating the struggle against sin and the hope for salvation. The fall of Adam and Eve serves as a critical reminder of humanity's susceptibility to temptation, representing a universal experience. Yet, through this narrative, Milton also points towards the possibility of redemption through repentance and grace. This portrayal suggests that while human nature can lead individuals astray, it also possesses an innate yearning for redemption, reflecting a deep understanding of moral complexity.

Related terms

Free Will: The ability of individuals to make choices without constraints, reflecting their capacity for moral decision-making.

Original Sin: The Christian doctrine that suggests all humans inherit a sinful nature due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

Redemption: The act of being saved from sin or evil, often tied to the hope of restoration and moral improvement in human beings.